Wavelet transforms (WT) are proposed as an alternative tool to overcome the limitations of Fourier transforms (FFT) in the analysis of electrochemical noise (EN) data. The most relevant feature of this method of analysis is its capability of decomposing electrochemical noise records into different sets of wavelet coefficients (distinct type of events), which contain information about the time scale characteristic of the associated corrosion event. In this context, the potential
noise fluctuations during the free corrosion of commercial aluminum alloy LY12 in sodium chloride solution was recorded and analyzed with wavelet transform technique. The typical results showed that the EN signal is composed of distinct type of events, which can be classified
according to their scales, i.e. their time constants. Meanwhile, the energy distribution plot (EDP) can be used as "fingerprints" of EN signals and can be very useful for analyzing EN data in the future. Meanwhile, two depressed semi-circles can be observed in Nyquist plot within the passive region of LY12. With the prolongation of immersion time, another (the third) depressed semi-circle appeared due to the formation of corrosion products films, and its diameter increased
with the immersion time. However, no low frequency inductive loop was observed. It implied that the low frequency inductive loop might not be the characteristic of pitting corrosion or the formation of salt film.
Keywords: Electrochemical noise, Wavelet analysis, Fourier transforms, Corrosion, Aluminum alloy 2024-T3